Why choose a fireplace?

Why chose a stove?

Which fuels should I use?

How do I operate a stove properly?

How important is the chimney?

Where should a stove be located?

Stoves Direct and Designer Fires for Contemporary Fireplaces and Wood Burning Stoves

Why choose a fireplace?

A fireplace provides warmth and cheer, a fireplace is beautiful, and a fireplace is luxurious. A fireplace is a powerful heating system.

Why choose a stove?

Cast iron stoves give efficiency up to 90% as compared with 15-20% from an open fire.

Which fuels should I use?

For multi-fuel stoves and fireplaces the kind of wood you burn affects the amount of heat you receive. Density and moisture content of the wood affects combustion. Dense species, such as white oak that are well seasoned or dried have higher energy content per volume. Burning ‘green’ wood, which contains as much as 50% water consumes a large amount of heat energy simply to dry the wood prior to combustion. ‘Dry’ wood has only 15-20% moisture by volume. Many stoves are multipurpose and can burn wood or logs. A far greater heat and better performance is obtained when using either coal or smokeless fuel.

Here are sum items, which you should NOT burn in your stoves or fireplaces"
1. Household garbage - Can produce noxious and corrosive gases.
2. Plastics and ‘junk’ (windowed) mail – Can create lethal fumes.
3. Treated or painted wood – Can produce very toxic and sometimes explosive gases.

How do I operate a stove properly?

To ensure that you operate your stove efficiently and safely, observe the following guidelines:
1. Start the fire with dry kindling and with air inlets and dampers wide open for maximum air.
2. Add two or three pieces of dry wood, keeping the air inlets and dampers open.
3. Never light or rekindle a stove fire with petrol or lighter fluid.
4. When the fire is burning well, adjust air inlets and dampers to control the speed of the burn.
5. Determine if you have the proper air supply by checking what’s coming out of the chimney, dark smoke indicates that more air is needed.
6. Watch out for handles and surfaces too hot to touch with bare hands.
7. Always place ashes in a metal container with a tight fitting lid.
8. Do not put green or wet wood on top of the stove to dry it. Put nothing on top of the stove unless it is 100% fire proof.
9. Do not store flammable materials near a stove.
10. NEVER take a chance with fire.

NB. Most manufacturers recommend keeping the first fires small to break in new stoves gradually. New stoves always smoke on start up as the paint and sealants are heated.

How important is the chimney?

A chimney is a critical part of your heating system. It carries smoke out of the house, and creates the suction or draft necessary to draw air to the fire. A well, designed chimney allows the stove to operate cleanly, producing a minimum amount of smoke and creosote.

Where should a stove be located?

Your stove should be located in a frequently used area such as the living room or family room. Check the structural support under the floor on which the stove could be placed to make sure it is adequate. The best place for a stove is in the centre of a room, where it can radiate heat in all direction. The worst place to put a stove is in a closed area or alcove. Installation requires proper clearance from combustible materials. Constant exposure to heat reduces the temperature at which a material will begin to burn. A joist or rafter too close to the stove and its flu may overheat and ignite.